Roberto De Zerbi says he respects and wants to help referees.

But that will not stop him giving an honest opinion when he sees fit.

The Albion head coach has been warned by the FA after comments in which he said he disliked 80% of England’s refs.

The vastly experienced Anthony Taylor will have the whistle when Albion visit Nottingham Forest in the Premier League today (3pm).

De Zerbi said: “I would like to help them. I know it sounds like a joke because after my words.

“Me telling you I would like to help them doesn’t sound real but I have a big respect for them.

“I can understand the pressure and the difficulty of their work.

“In the same way, I want to keep the right for myself to say my opinion.

“I was upset when I saw this controversy because it wasn’t my intention.”